Breaking Trail Balakhilya and Ruben

Reincarnation (and thus, karma) was taught by Jesus as well as the early fathers of Christianity. When that concept was removed, several strange concepts were put into place - that are still being taught. For example, the eternal damnation that follows if you don’t take the one and only chance you have in this lifetime, the creation of the soul at the time of conception, and the idea that our suffering is not really due to our past actions - but due to the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.



In this episode of Breaking Trail, we discuss the concepts of karma and reincarnation and their relationship with Christian teachings. We explore the idea that actions influence future outcomes, supporting this with Paul’s words from Galatians 6:7-9, "A man reaps what he sows," which serves as a cornerstone for understanding spiritual laws of cause and effect.



We examine the historical decision by Justinian in 550 AD to remove reincarnation from Christian doctrine, a decision that introduced major theological shifts and inconsistencies. Life is really a continuous journey of spiritual evolution, which aligns with teachings from both the Vedas and early Christian texts. 



Highlights:




(8:16) How new concepts were introduced, such as original sin from Adam's disobedience in Garden of Eden



(20:39) All religions teach we're children of God, so what about animals?



(28:18) Reincarnation makes sense from different angles, given the contradiction of a loving God with a single lifetime chance



(34:21) Blaming God for one’s suffering



(40:35) Following the rules for spiritual life: obedience to a higher authority



(51:15) Freedom from karma through spiritual service




Recorded on January 22, 2024.



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Today we delve into the Vedic story of Bilva Mangala, who was deeply attached to a prostitute by the name Chintamani. You’ll hear how, after a sudden turn of events, he accepted her as his spiritual master.



We discuss the importance of redirecting ones materialistic passions towards spiritual pursuits, and touch upon the Vedic concept of intelligence for attaining a true perspective. Balakhilya also shares biblical narratives comparing Mary Magdalene and Chintamani. We discuss themes of mercy and redemption with references like Jesus' response to an accused adulteress, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”. At the end, you’ll hear us respond to a listener’s question about chanting silently in the mind.



This episode not only explores spiritual dimensions but also humanizes the path of spiritual growth, showing that enlightenment and help can emerge from the most unexpected sources.



Highlights:




(6:48) The story of the aristocratic priest Bilva Mangala and the prostitute Chintamani



(12:39) Unexpected sources bring needed lessons and help. In the story of the man and the flood, he rejects help in search of a miracle.



(20:43) Intelligence, according to the Vedas is the ability to put things in their proper perspective



(23:36) Balakhilya responds to a question from listener: “I often find myself chanting in my mind when I'm riding the bus, out for a walk, or doing other quiet activities. I'm wondering if chanting silently to yourself has the same quality as chanting out loud?”




Recorded on January 17, 2024.



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What is real prayer, and what has that got to do with meditation? In fact, Jesus was meditating constantly; immersed in service to the Supreme Lord. 



Today, we explore the concept of uncovering one’s love for the Supreme Lord and the process of cultivating it through meditation. We discuss the purpose of the religious processes; namely to enhance individuals' devotion to God, beyond sectarian differences. We also read from and expand upon Jesus’ famous ‘Lord's Prayer’:



‘Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ (Matthew 6)



Highlights:




(1:50) Jesus was in constant meditation



(7:40) A summary of Ashtanga, the eightfold mystic yoga process



(18:49) Don’t pray as a show; but let it be your private communication with the Supreme Lord



(28:06) I can’t make myself love God, but I can follow a process that uncovers that love



(34:55) The Lord’s Prayer



(44:13) If I don't forgive others, then I shouldn't expect God to forgive me




Recorded on January 12, 2024.



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Learn the basics of mantra meditation

We see two extremes in today’s world. On one hand we see states ruled by some religious sect which are often characterised by violence, fanaticism, and intolerance. 



On the other we have highly secular states that outwardly seem more peaceful, but where the erosion of the spiritual foundation means there is no longer any moral standard for the people to follow.



In today’s talk you’ll hear how America was originally founded trying to go beyond these two extremes. Its founders were Christians who had broken off from the Church of England, wanting to establish a state based on spiritual principles but without fanaticism.



Unfortunately, just recently, a new Speaker of the House was elected who believes that the Bible is the only way and the only truth. Not only has this nothing to do with real religion, but this fanatic spirit is the root cause of the societal divide and hatred we see today.



Highlights:




(1:14) About the new US Speaker of the House



(9:18) How America was founded upon spiritual values



(15:55) God is present in all His teachings, wherever they are to be found



(24:54) Should we separate church and state? Description of the spiritual qualities.  



(34:56) Real religion means love; not a particular denomination. There is no room for fanaticism.



(42:27) Purport on Matthew 7:21-23: Why did Jesus denounce his so-called followers and said “I never knew you”?



(50:19) Jesus always spoke the truth, without being afraid. We should emulate divine qualities in ourselves.




Recorded on December 11, 2023.



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Being a submissive servant of the Absolute Whole is really where the topmost happiness is at. And Jesus was a perfect example of that:



"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission"
(Hebrews 5:7)



Today we reflect on the profound significance of recognizing our true spiritual nature and serving a higher power. We clarify the misconceptions surrounding being a servant and the true essence of serving God in loving devotion. And that is all encapsulated in the life and teachings of Lord Jesus Christos.



Highlights:




(4:14) Jesus is not God, but His servant



(15:59) Our function is to submissively serve



(27:03) Being controlled by love is perfect



(34:00) Jesus and John the Baptist



(40:59) God’s love for us is unconditional



(47:26) We like the bogey yogi idea of being God, because we are already trying to be God 




Recorded on December 4, 2023.



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